{"id":57634,"date":"2024-01-26T09:00:53","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T14:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=57634"},"modified":"2024-01-25T21:39:38","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T02:39:38","slug":"which-freshman-could-impact-nebraska-football-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2024\/01\/26\/which-freshman-could-impact-nebraska-football-in-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Freshman Could Impact Nebraska Football in 2024?"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the offensive side of the football, head coach Matt Rhule<\/strong> and the Nebraska Cornhuskers added 16 new faces to the 2024 recruiting class. But which of these early enrollees have a chance at making an impact?\u00a0 Let’s take a look at the top players that the Big Red have.<\/p>\n

A Star Quarterback<\/h3>\n

In only two short months with the Huskers, Dylan Raiola has proven himself as a key asset for the Cornhuskers.\u00a0 After he flipped his commitment to Nebraska in late December, his presence helped the Big Red add former Oregon running back Dante Dowdell<\/a>, wide receiver Jahmal Banks<\/a>, and right guard Micah Mazzccua<\/a> from the transfer portal. And he should be in line to compete as an early enrollee for Nebraska as well.\u00a0 As a senior at Buford High School, his 65% completion rate allowed him to throw for 34 touchdowns with only one interception.\u00a0 This is impressive, but at the Polynesian Bowl, he was even better. In the first quarter, he connected with future Nebraska tight end Carter Nelson for a 33-yard reception. And in the third quarter, he was able to strong arm a pass to Tennessee commit Mike Matthews for a 40-yard touchdown. It’s likely that he will have a similar impact at the college level as a freshman. But will he be able to manage all that comes with it?<\/p>\n

An Anchor For the Big Red Line<\/h3>\n

For Huskers offensive line coach <\/span>Donovan Raiola<\/strong>, Preston Taumua is considered a perfect option as a freshman for Nebraska football. Not only does he have great size at 300 pounds, but his\u00a0 6’4 stature also makes it hard for defensive linemen to get around him. He demonstrated both of these aspects perfectly in high school.\u00a0 As a junior, his blocking helped the Waipahu Marauders to an 11-2 record and a division finals appearance. And in January, he was one of the bright spots in the Polynesian Bowl. On the Mauka team, he blocked well for both\u00a0 Ty McCutcheon<\/strong> and Jake Merklinger<\/strong>. But there is still a concern. Can he provide the same quality of play when he blocks for a star in Dylan? If he does he will have to prove himself against a sixth-year left tackle in <\/span>Bryce Benhart<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Coming all the way from the Aloha State,@PrestonTaumua<\/a> is N!#GBR<\/a> x #24Ours<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KpF2VEQrvX<\/a><\/p>\n

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) December 20, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n